Suggestions for CD player $2-3k used?

Mr. Tennis, I would prefer to stay with newer technology due to the steady advances in digital playback, improvement in parts quality available to the designers, and potential for older transports to break or require repair. The first three listed are probably my top choices right now since they are all well-reviewed, from good companies, and all have balanced outputs (I am considering switching to an Atma-sphere preamp so the balanced outputs would be nice-but not absolutely necessary). The McCormack is another possibility, but would have to be the deluxe model. The Ayre worries me a little since it is sort of the "flavor of the month." I do like American built equipment for the ease of getting repairs or upgrades without shipping out of the country, but if the Meridian is as good as they say, it would still be a contender. I would appreciate any feedback from those who have tried a couple of these units head to head against each other. Thanks.

Thanks everyone so far, I do appreciate all the responses and the great suggestions and considerations you guys are coming up with. Since I plan to purchase used, I will not be able to hear he unit beforehand. Therefore, I have to do my best research and take my chances, as I have with the rest of my system. Based on the many happy owners, the Cary seems to be a strong choice. To Rodman99999 and Mrtennis, have you compared the VK D5 with the D5SE? I used to own the VK 500 amp, which was beat out in my system by the McCormack, although I always liked the BAT build quality and certainly can appreciate their approach to voicing their products, very musical. I definitely would consider the BAT players, although after owning the SF Line 3SE, I am not too fond of the 6922 tube, especially having to buy them. Does anyone know if the 6H30 super tube SE unit still provides the fully fleshed out midrange that BAT is known for? To Raquel, thanks for the review links, have you heard the differences between the CD3 and CD3MkII? Top loaders are ok and the CD3 uses one of the best. Has anyone done comparisons with the McCormack Deluxe or Electrocompaniet?

Hi Sundaycomix, I still haven't got things set to my satisfaction yet...what else is new? I have been revolving preamps lately. I went with the Ayre CX7e player based on its solid build quality, great reviews, excellent company reputation, and fully balanced circuitry. It is a nice player, but I am currently using it single-ended into a VTL 5.5, which is a very nice tube preamp but doesn't maximize the potential of the balanced circuitry of the Ayre player or my DNA 500 amp. I am awaiting the return of an Atma-Sphere MP-3 preamp that Ralph Karsten's crew is currently upgrading for me. I am a little limited in preamp choices by the lowish 10K ohm input impedance of the McCormack amp. I have considered the Calypso and Aesthetix says it will work with the McCormack but with an output impedance of near 4k ohm at 20Hz, I am concerned of a LF rolloff with that preamp. Anyway, the Ayre certainly sounds good (maybe not quite as good as the Muse Model 10 I recently parted with) but I will be able to comment more fully after I have had some time with it in a fully balanced set up. I should have the MP-3 back in a week or so, and I am looking forward to trying that combo. - Tim